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V 



The Church Moths 


By 

ELLA COMPTON HOY 


SAULSBURY PUBLISHING COMPANY 

BALTIMORE, MD, 



Copyright, 1919, 
Ella Compton Hoy 



J. F. TAPLEY CO. 
New York 


©CI.A515840 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 

CHAPTER I 

“How they destroy church material !” There are 
many kinds of moth, in nearly every church congre- 
gation. The “Hindering,’’ “Envious,” “Jealous,” 
“Faultfinding,” and the “Scandal-Seeker” moths. 
These are the most destructive to a church, as they 
do their work underminingly, crush down the work 
of the “Willing Worker,” “Time Devoter,” and the 
“Talented Moth.” 

There was a small town bordering along the Kaw 
River. An old Indian trading point in the early 
days, but showed the folk who settled there in those 
days loved their Saviour, for two very pretty 
churches were built, and there was very fruitful work 
done in these churches. This little town slowly grew 
into a small city; these destructive moth found their 
way into these two churches, and began to destroy 
this good work, as they were not discovered until 
their work was pretty well along. 

There was a railroad man and his family moved to 
this city to make it their home. Now why it was I 
do not know, but railroad people were not classed 
3 


4 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


among the other citizens. This man had been con- 
verted in the little town of Olivet, Kansas, also the 
older son, but had not been received into the church 
when he was called to go to this city along the Kaw 
River; a little later the family joined him. 

There was a union revival meeting going on at this 
time and this railroad family attended, glad to feel 
they were God’s children. When the revival was 
over and the churches were holding meetings in their 
own churches, the railroad family united with the 
folk of the little stone church; it was here they dis- 
covered there were so many kinds of moths in the 
church. 

There was a new Preacher came to dwell among the 
folk of this church ; there was plenty of work to be 
done but few to do it, the harvest was ripe and reap- 
ers needed; the railroad man’s wife liked to work in 
the field and took part in the work ; she had an abun- 
dance of time, and soon made many friends. We 
will call her the ^‘Modesty Moth,” as she was very 
bright and cheerful; she could work any place she 
was put. 

Modesty was given a Sunday school class of small 
boys ; she loved little folk and was delighted to have 
this class ; when she would go along the street a num- 
ber of little folk would run to her ; she greeted them 
and called them her “little lambs.” 

Later the Sunday school organized a Cradle Roll, 
and Modesty was to be the superintendent of it. In 
a short time she had a large number of members on 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


6 


the Roll from tiny babes up to five years of age ; they 
were then put in the beginners’ class. Oh, how Mod- 
esty enjoyed calling on the parents of her little 
lambs, as she called them! 

Modesty got the parents of little tots to come 
to Sunday school who had not been coming at all. 
She would send invitations through the mail ad- 
dressed to the little ones, asking them to ^‘bring Papa 
and Mamma next Sunday to Sunday school with 
you.” And always gave a flower or a card as a re- 
ward. She so liked the work that she used her own 
means for the expenses. Finally she got a bank and 
placed it at the entrance, with a card engraved, 
‘^Baby’s Missionary Bank.” It was surprising the 
pennies it contained each Sunday; some silver also 
would be found. 

When Modesty called to see her little ones, they 
often gave her their pennies, telling her they had 
been given them for candy or gum but they wanted 
her to put them in the Missionary bank. Then she 
would take them up on her lap and tell them of the 
little people in foreign lands, and how the pennies 
would go to them and how happy they would be to 
learn the little folk from this country gave them, and 
how God loved them that gave a portion of what they 
had to those who were needy. Sometimes the faces 
could hardly be seen for the dirt, but Modesty took 
them up anyway, for their little souls were clean and 
pure. She was so pleased each Sunday to see the 
little ones and thdr mothers at Sunday school ; often 


6 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


the fathers would bring them, and sometimes both 
parents. 

Modesty was so taken up with her class of boys 
and the little lambs, as she called them, of the Cradle 
Roll she had no time to watch the ^^Envious” and the 
Jealous” moths that were planning to rob her of 
this work. 

There had been a great strife among the moths. 
Still Modesty had not learned of this until one eve- 
ning she was asked to attend the business meeting at 
the church. Modesty was indeed surprised to learn 
of so many ugly things to be settled at this meeting. 

The “Envious,” the “Jealous” and “Faultfinding” 
moths did not like the way Modesty was running the 
Cradle Roll. 

The leader asked, “In what way do you find fault 
in her work.?^ I’m sure she has shown splendid re- 
sults.” 

One said, “She uses too much money.” 

Another said, “We haven’t any too much in the 
Sunday school fund, and nobody knows how much she 
does use, or what for.” 

Still another said, “I think she should let the 
Treasurer know what she uses, and make a report 
of it.” 

Everything was quiet for a moment, then the leader 
said, “Is there anything more on this subject.? Let’s 
have all the evidence now, then we will see what can 
be done.” 

The Envious moth said, “There will have to be a 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


7 


limit to the money drawn, and the School know how 
it is used.’^ 

Then the Jealous moth was heard from, ^‘Yes ; you 
would think she is running the whole thing the way 
people carry on about her.” 

At this poor Modesty wept, she was so hurt ; there 
was a hush came over the room, nothing but Mod- 
esty^s sobs were heard. She soon controlled herself 
and asked if she might make a few explanations about 
the work. 

The leader told her she might. 

Modesty arose, hesitated a moment, then said: 
‘‘First, I like to do the work more than my tongue 
can express; I love to go among the little folk, be- 
cause they are pure and innocent, and tell them of 
God; the parents of these little ones like me, it is 
true, and they praise my work also, which is a won- 
derful salary to receive for my efforts. As to the 
money used, my husband gives me a portion of his in- 
come for my very own, and it is this I have used to 
build up the Cradle Roll work. I’m very sorry to 
learn of this great strife over my work, for all the 
church troubles are sweet music to the devil, and his 
workers. I would have explained before now if I 
had thought any one wished it.” 

The meeting closed and Modesty was permitted to 
go on with her work, but it was just a little harder to 
do, as she feared it might not please these moths. 

A little later the Minister’s time was up and he 
did not return to labor with these folk. 


CHAPTER II 

There had not been any service held in the stone 
church for a while, as it had been a little difficult to 
find a leader for these people. In the meantime, a 
moth from the other church came to Modesty and 
said, ‘‘Why do you not come to our church? It is 
where you belong, anyway.” 

Modesty was converted in this church a few years 
ago, but went into the stone church, as her husband 
wished to unite with the folk of that church; she felt 
to work for God any place was all right. 

This moth that came to Modesty was of the 
“Faultfinding” kind. She said to her, “Unless you 
come to our church, you will be lost from God, and 
if you keep your husband in that church, he also 
will be severed from God.” 

Modesty said, “I do not understand you !” 

This moth told Modesty that her husband was not 
immersed yet, and if he should die he would be lost 
forever. 

“Oh!” cried Modesty. “I do not believe you. I 
cannot believe my God to be an unjust God; He does 
not say we must serve Him under any one church 
name, but if we are repentant before God and man we 
8 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


9 


are removed from the sin that may have stained our 
soul; if my husband serves under the other church 
name, or if he should die to-morrow, I believe God 
would claim his soul. My knowledge of God will not 
let me believe what you tell me.’’ 

Modesty did not tell any one of this visit from 
this moth, nor did she fear from it. 

A little later there was a Minister sent to the stone 
church; the time came for this railroad man and his 
son to be baptized ; it was a beautiful day, many had 
gathered at the river side to see the baptizing. The 
father and son were led down into the Kaw River and 
immersed. The people sang, “Shall we gather at the 
river.?”. 

Everything seemed to be all right and Modesty 
went on with her work, receiving much praise from 
the new Minister ; but Modesty feared the “Jealous” 
moths, and wished he would not praise her work. 

Modesty joined the W. C. T. U., and was assigned 
to the office of Purity. She learned she was to see 
that folk talked as they should in public and destroy 
any impure thing about the city. This seemed to 
Modesty quite a load to shoulder, but she would 
try it. 

The first task there was an advertisement for choc- 
olate in a restaurant window; it had a picture of a 
lady on it. Modesty could not see anything so 
shocking about the picture, but some of the moths 
came to her and said, 

“Modesty, you must have that picture removed 


10 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


from the window; it is terrible for young men to go 
by and see it, as it may arouse passion and cause 
them to do some awful thing.’^ 

Modesty said, “What is there so terrible about 
the picture? It is only a candy advertisement.” 

“My goodness, are you blind? The woman’s hose 
show to her knees, and even her skirt — ^why, it’s ter- 
rible, and must be removed !” 

At this Modesty grew indignant and said, “Well, 
I credit our young men with more pride than to let a 
paper woman’s hose bother them. Were you ever in 
a large city?” Modesty asked. “No one thinks any- 
thing about what is in the windows.” 

Modesty was told she must see that it was removed ; 
also a corset model from another window. 

Modesty said no more, and decided she would see 
if she could buy the picture and she would see the 
merchant about the model. As she knelt by her bed 
that night, she asked God to help her to get the 
picture removed so as to not hurt the woman’s feel- 
ings, for she was a widow trying to make her way. 

Next day Modesty started out on her mission. As 
she entered the restaurant she did not see the picture, 
so did not say anything about it, but bought some 
cakes and returned to the street, feeling in her heart 
God had answered her prayer. She went to the other 
place of business and asked to see the manager. 

“And what can I do for you, my little lady?” he 
asked as he came to Modesty. 

Modesty smiled, saying : “I have been requested by 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


11 


the W. C. T. U. to ask you to remove that ter-ri-ble 
shocking mod-del from your window. I fear your 
store will be boycotted ; put it under the counter. 
Or get a dress on it that will cover it from its neck 
to the floor,” said Modesty in great excitement. 

‘‘Why, Modesty, what can there be wrong in the 
model? You see them other places?” 

“Oh, there are some of the moths of the Union 
who have received such a shock from this model, I 
fear if they should get a glimpse of it again they 
may not recover.” 

The manager laughed and said, “I see why you 
have come to me, and I also see your sound judg- 
ment; you are a little gem. Now to show these moths 
your influence and the respect we have for you. I’ll 
remove it from the window back on the counter.” 

“I’m sure this is very kind of you, and I thank 
you.” 

Modesty returned home glad to have this off her 
mind; she told her father all and he said, “I am glad 
you did so well and the task is over.” 

Modesty was at the next meeting of the Union, 
and they asked, “How did you get the picture from 
the window?” 

Modesty’s answer was, “God did it in answer to my 
prayer. I asked him to help me get it removed in 
a way so as not to hurt the woman’s feelings, and 
when I went to see her about the picture it was gone.” 

“Well how about the other window?” 

“I called and told the manager I had been re- 


12 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


quested by the Union to ask him to have the model 
removed from the window.” 

‘‘Oh! But you should have not mentioned the 
Union.” 

“And why not.^ It was the work of the Union, 
was it not.?^” 

Modesty had such splendid success in this she was 
asked to do more work ; this time things that seemed 
to Modesty very rude, and she rebelled ; not that she 
wished to shrink from duty, but she did not believe 
in CARRIE NATION’S method of working, and she 
resigned from the office she held. 

At this meeting there was to be a delegate elected 
to attend the W. T. C. U. Convention, and as Mod- 
esty could travel on a pass, she was chosen the dele- 
gate. The “Envious and Jealous Moth” did not 
think she should be the delegate, as there were older 
ones that ought to have the honor, but it was voted 
that Modesty attend the convention as their delegate. 

The convention was held in the old home town 
where Modesty went to school when a girl, Wyan- 
dotte, Kansas. 

Modesty greatly enjoyed the meetings; all she 
met were very nice to her; she roomed with an old 
schoolmate. Modesty had taken many notes for her 
report, and could hardly wait to return and tell of 
the many good things she had heard at the conven- 
tion. The work was grand when done correctly. 

During the few days Modesty was away, these 
ugly moths worked hard to get her out of the Union. 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


13 


When Modesty returned home she went to the 
President to talk over her trip and the things she 
had heard at the convention. While there poor Mod- 
esty was stricken with grief. She was told her re- 
port would not be called for, as a number of the 
Moths would quit the Union, but she might tell the 
President, that she could use the guides and helps in 
the Union. 

Modesty was greatly wounded at this, and said, 
only have this to say: Take my name olf your list. 
I will withdraw from your Union; it is better I quit 
than for you to lose the others and save all strife, if 
you feel this way about me. I will ask you to make 
my report; just tell them Modesty has withdrawn 
from your Union, that is all.” 

Modesty walked slowly toward home in deep 
thought; she was startled at a voice saying, ‘‘Mod- 
esty! Modesty! are you sick?” 

As she glanced up she smiled and said, “Just a 
little heartache is all.” She walked on, reached 
home, went to her father, told him all that had been 
said; he comforted her the best he could; she then 
went out among her little lambs to drown her sor- 
row and kept up her class of boys at Sunday school. 


CHAPTER III 


Now these same moths began to eat into their 
Preacher’s moves; they thought he called at the 
Editor’s office too often; there was a woman who 
worked in this office, and soon the ‘‘Scandal Moth” 
had a great heap of material piled up against the 
Preacher’s character. 

Modesty often went to this office; they all talked 
over the work and made outlines for same, and she 
often gained many helps for her work, but these 
scandal-seeking moth could not see anything but 
wrong in this office; in fact, they never investigated 
it, but yet their own imagination guided them, and 
went on piling up scandal until there had to be a 
church trial. 

When this was discovered. Modesty was asked by 
some of the church board to go and see if she could 
get these Scandal and Faultfinding Moth to hold 
council with the Board and Preacher, and settle this, 
so as to prevent the great scandal they were about 
to place upon their church. 

But they were very bitter against this and would 
not have anything to do with Modesty ; said she was 
trying to shield the Preacher. 

14 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


15 


Modesty said, not misunderstand me. I am 
pleading for the house of God, to save it this terrible 
mar you are about to place on it; give the man a 
hearing, a chance to explain. Do you remember the 
story, ^HE that is without SIN cast the first stone.’ ” 

But they said, ‘‘We will not have anything to do 
with him. We are going to write for another 
Preacher to be sent us.” 

“Listen, my dear folk, you must prove your charge 
against this man before Conference can condemn 
him.” 

“Well, we’ll not have him here, and you can tell 
the board so.” 

Modesty pleaded in vain; it came to a trial; the 
Elder was summoned to take charge of this trial. 

The Destructive Moth were all out, and the 
Preacher and the disciples that did not believe the 
stories told. 

When the Elder asked what crime the accused man 
had done, no one spoke a word. 

He asked the second time, “What has this man 
done that he must be driven from your midst.?” Still 
no answer. 

Then the Elder said, “There must be a charge 
brought against this man before I can condemn him 
and drive him from the ministry.” 

One said, “You can send him some place else.” 

The Elder said, “But how am I to take him from 
this charge if there is no fault to be found with 
him.?” 


16 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


Then a moth said he went to the printing office 
too often. 

‘‘What did he do while at this office that you hold 
against him ?” 

No one knew of any wrong, only it did not look 
well. 

This was all they could bring up against the 
Preacher. 

This trifle seemed to Modesty a great deal like the 
one where they cried, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 
yet they could bring no real charge to Pilate for 
the Crucifixion.” 

Now these moths had a great big thing built up 
from imagination, and like the house built on the 
sand it could not stand. The trial was dismissed 
and the Preacher left in the field to labor among 
them. 

Modesty knew how hard it was to work among 
these moth, who were busy eating holes in the good 
work of the few willing working moth. 

The time came for this Preacher to go to con- 
ference ; he did not return to this field but went else- 
where to gather the sheaves for the master. 

In a short time the new Preacher came to take 
charge of the work. These moth gave a reception 
for him, and Modesty hoped the good would branch 
out and grow. 

There was election of officers in the young people’s 
society; Modesty was elected by the young folk 
President of the society ; she took a great interest in 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


17 


the young folk and they soon had a large roll call; 
she helped them get their lessons, and got many to 
lead who had never led the meeting; a large number 
of older folk came to hear the lessons and praised 
Modesty for the work. Finally the Envious and 
Jealous Moth learned of this, then the Hindering 
Moth joined them and they began to destroy the 
harmoi\y that had been for some time. 

Modesty had two leaders one evening, a young 
lady and gentleman ; the lesson was where Jesus and 
the women were at the well ; this made the lesson very 
impressive, and she was pleased with the leaders. At 
the close of the meeting the Hindering Moth came to 
Modesty and said: 

‘Tf you would let the young people get their own 
lessons the society would get along better; anyway, 
it is a young people’s society and should be conducted 
by them. 

Modesty governed herself and said, ^‘They chose 
me for their leader, and my dear folk, all sheep must 
be guarded by a shepherd; turn the young out with- 
out a leader or shepherd and see how quick the 
wolves enter the flock; my helping them only makes 
it easy for them to start out in the work and we 
need many workers.” 

Modesty hurried home with an aching heart and 
told her father all. 

He said, ^^My dear girl, do not grieve so over the 
work; give it up; I do not like to see you treated 
so.” 


18 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


father, I do so like the work. Why won’t 
they let me do it?” 

“My dear, it is jealousy and envy; they fear you 
may receive too much praise and they do not want 
you to lead.” 

“Oh ! Are there such moths in every church, 
father?” 

“Yes, my dear, and I have seen for some time how 
they work to undermine your work. I could not tell 
you this before, as you worked so hard and enjoyed it 
so; but to-night as you come to me I have told you 
and wish you would quit working among them.” 

“But, father, the young folk do not find fault with 
me and are so good to do the things I ask of them.” 

“That is why the Envious and Hindering Moth 
strive to overthrow your work.” 

Poor Modesty did not know what to do. She did 
not want to grieve her father and she did not like to 
give up the work, and yet it was very hard to work 
with these moth nipping at her all the time. As she 
knelt to pour out her troubles to God she asked Him 
to help her and give her the courage to go on with 
the work. 

Next day found Modesty more determined to work 
on ; she was to meet with the young men and women 
to practise some songs for the program they were to 
have in a short time; in the forenoon she had the 
little folk come to her home to drill them, then go to 
the church in the afternoon; she was all ready to 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


19 


start when the Preacher called; his stay was brief, 
but brought new grief for Modesty. 

He said, ‘T have called to tell you I fear you will 
have to resign your office as President of the Young 
Folks’ Society, also to drop the choir we were going 
to organize.” 

This so hurt Modesty she leaned her head on her 
father’s knee and wept; he stroked her head and 
said, ‘‘There, there, never mind.” 

Modesty calmed herself and said, “If it is the wish 
of the young folks I will. But under no considera- 
tion will I resign my work for God for those Envious, 
Jealous or Faultfinding Moth.” 

“But they are among the moneyed moth, and I 
will have to cater largely to them,” said the 
Preacher. 

“Oh! You, like them, expect to pay your way 
through the pearly gates. I give my time and tal- 
ent to the work and a small portion in money ; do you 
remember the story of the talents that were given 
out.? also the request made of them? I fear these 
moth have buried their talent.” 

As the door was closed when the Preacher left. 
Modesty ran to her father crying, “Think of a man 
representing Christ’s teachings, would ask me to give 
up my work for those ugly moth, as they have money 
and I haven’t.” The choir must be dropped; there 
was one whom Modesty could not find in her heart 
to bar, a very good singer, but it was feared there 


20 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


may be African blood in the veins of this moth. 

The nationality of this moth was not known, but 
if it be black as coal, God loved the soul of this moth, 
as it was a Christian moth. 

This man wished Modesty to bar this moth from 
the choir or his girls could not sing in it. 

‘^Oh!” cried Modesty. “How can you say such 
things! You, an example, a teacher of Christ’s 
teachings.” 

“Well, you have heard the remarks about this 
moth, haven’t you.^ My girls cannot associate with 
such company.” 

“But listen to me,” said Modesty. “I have 
worked in the church for a number of years ; she has 
put her arm around me and even kissed me and I 
have not turned black yet. Do you think God has a 
separate place for you and yours in heaven? I do 
not think he has, and if we do His will He will claim 
us whether the outer shell be black, white or brown. 
Therefore, I cannot do what you ask, for I think it 
wrong. I would not hurt the willing worker’s feel- 
ings.” So they were not to have a choir. No won- 
der Modesty bowed her head on her father’s arm 
and cried as if her heart would break. 

He stroked her head and said, “Come, come, my 
little girl, do not cry so ; give up all the work ; God 
will love you, for you were willing to work and He 
will give you the reward you deserve.” 

Modesty dried her eyes and said, “Oh, father, what 
a comfort you are to me; now I must go and meet 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


21 


my young folk; they will be waiting for me.” Mod- 
esty bade her father good-bye and started; she had 
not gone far when she was stopped by this moth that 
some feared had African blood in her veins, and this 
is what met her ears : 

want you to understand you can’t keep me from 
singing in the choir ; I’m going to sing in it if I want 
to ; so there now you have it. 

Modesty was much surprised at this outpouring of 
anger upon her, and asked, ‘‘But my dear moth, why 
do you fly at me in this manner 

“Because you are trying to keep me out of the 
choir. I’ve been told of it all right.” 

Modesty was struck dumb for a moment; she 
thought, “What will I be charged with next.^” 

“Listen to me, you have been misinformed, my 
dear; I have said nothing against you, nor have I 
done aught against you, and I have no voice in this 
arranging of the choir.” The young moth soon un- 
derstood all and begged to be forgiven for the rude 
way in which she spoke. 

Modesty hurried on ; she had to stop at a store to 
get the key to the church. Here was another shock 
for her nerves that were almost shattered. As she 
asked for the key one of the deacons of the church 
said to her : 

“There is so much strife stirring about you lead- 
ing the Young Polks’ Society that I expect you had 
better resign.” 

Poor Modesty could hardly keep back the burning 


22 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


tears as she heard this, but she felt she must be brave 
before her young folk; she asked of the deacon, 
“What have I done that is wrong? I’m willing to 
right anything wrong if it is shown to me.” 

The deacon said, “There will be a meeting after 
prayer meeting to-night and the subject talked over; 
you can be present.” 

Modesty said, “If you will trust me with the key, 
I must be going, as my young folks are waiting for 
me.” As the key was handed to her she said, “I will 
see what my young folks say about my work and be 
governed by them, not these ugly moth destroyers. I 
will not be at your meeting to-night, as it will not be 
so embarrassing for the subject to be handled, but I 
will ask you to not judge me too harshly; good-bye.” 

As Modesty walked the two blocks to the church 
she thought her heart would break, it seemed so full 
of ugly things she had heard in the last half hour; 
it was an effort to rid her mind of them and meet her 
young folks with her usual smile ; it was a little past 
the hour she was to be at the church, but she fbund 
her folks waiting for her, and was greeted by all ; as 
she met them with a smile, in her heart burned the 
word, “RESIGN.” She did not know just how to 
tell them of it, for their manner showed her they were 
pleased with her. 

After they had gone over the songs, they said to 
Modesty, “What is wrong? We can see there is 
something you are much hurt over.” 

“Oh, never mind me, my dear folks, we will go over 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


23 


the songs once more and be dismissed ; you are doing 
splendid ; I’m pleased and proud of you.” 

“But we will not sing another note until we have 
learned what it is that grieves you. Is it anything 
we have done? If so we are sorry and ready to beg 
your pardon.” 

Modesty swallowed hard a few times to crush down 
the sobs that it seemed would choke her, then said, 
“No, my dear folks, it is nothing you have said or 
done. I will tell you all.” She told them of the 
visit from the minister, how she was stopped on the 
street, and the deacon’s request. 

They said all in one voice, “If you resign, then we 
will also ; we want you for our leader.” 

“Then I shall go on with you to the end of my 
term. I greatly appreciate hearing this and thank 
you. I have also been told we cannot have a choir, 
but you folks can sing for me in the audience just 
as well.” 

“Now we are going to come up here to sing for 
you, and at the close of our meeting we will go back 
in the audience.” 

Modesty said, “It is very kind of you, but perhaps 
you had better not.” But they did anyway, and 
after their regular meeting Modesty explained to the 
people that there had been no choir organized; the 
band of young folks were just volunteers for the 
meeting. “We are glad to have the parents come out 
and hear the young folks.” 

After church, the deacon, the minister and a num- 


24 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


ber of the ‘Taultfinding Moth” gathered around 
Modesty and said, ‘^You are great to make such an 
ugly speech and drive the folks to their seats.” 

‘^Oh, but we have no choir ! You told me we could 
not have, and you announced last Sunday evening 
that I would organize a choir to-night ; now I’m car- 
rying a heavy burden as it is and I did not wish the 
people to think that I had gone against your wishes 
in this. You should have explained to them yourself ; 
can’t 3^ou see you are hurting the house of God by go- 
ing on in this manner? Why not work together in 
harmony. Let’s stop this strife.” 

But these moths had set out to rob Modesty and 
found fault with everything she did; this made it 
very difficult for her to work among them; she went 
on with the program, which proved a success. 

In spite of the rain a large number had gathered 
at the church on the eve of the program. It was 
very hard for Modesty to take her place, knowing 
so many of the moths were trying to eat holes in 
her work, and they had gathered there to see her 
crumble ; she made a few brief remarks. 

‘‘We have worked hard to prepare the selections 
we have for you; the young folks have been loyal; I 
hope you will feel repaid for coming out this stormy 
evening ; we will have our welcome song, then be led in 
prayer, inviting God to be one in our midst, then the 
welcome address by a small boy of twelve.” 

God’s mighty presence was felt and all went well, 
even though two on the program refused to respond. 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


25 


Modesty had heard these moths were going to do this 
and she had prepared to take the subject on how 
and when the society was organized, and had a sub- 
stitute on how to conduct the society to get good re- 
sults, so the chain was not broken; the eleven small 
girls in a drill, placing themselves to form the word 
Anniversary, each repeating a verse from the Bible 
beginning with their letter, dwelling on the society; 
they received many cheers. 

In closing. Modesty talked for a short time on 
Foreign Missions, and four small boys passed the 
plates; the collection showed God was among the 
people. 

Modesty thanked them for the gift and their pres- 
ence ; they were dismissed by a small boy. 

After all was over Modesty was surrounded by her 
young folks, who said, ‘‘We are proud of you. Oh, 
if we could only talk as free and easy as you do, how 
glad we would be.’’ 

Modesty thanked them, for they did not know 
how heavy was her heart or the pain or how hard it 
was to be face to face with these moth destroyers 
and conduct this work, but God gave her the cour- 
age to do this. 


/ 


CHAPTER IV 


In a few weeks came the election of officers. Mod- 
esty conducted the meeting, but asked that they do 
not vote on her for leader. 

In a short time there was no young folks meeting. 
They had also taken the Cradle Roll work and the 
class of boys from Modesty; this grieved Modesty 
a great deal, but she kept her place in the church; 
she resigned the Steward work ; this they wished her 
to keep, as it brought in money. 

Modesty went to Sunday school, taught a class 
when needed, did charity work among the poor, and 
brought in the sheep that had strayed; she was 
shunned by these moths for helping a poor woman 
who had fallen by the wayside. 

The poor one said, “I would like to go to church, 
I want to be good, if I thought the people of the 
church would help me.” 

Modesty went among the moths of the church and 
asked them to be nice to her if she came to church, 
but they shunned Modesty, as did the people the poor 
cripple at the pool ; Modesty tried to be a Samaritan 
and help the poor soul on her feet. 

One evening Modesty’s husband came home and 
26 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


27 


asked her if she would go into the other church, as 
his mother wished him to, for all the folks of the 
family belonged to the other church but him. 

Modesty hesitated for a moment, then gave her 
consent, as she felt she could work anywhere, if per- 
mitted to do so ; she asked both ministers to dine with 
them, so they could see the transfer was made 
through no malice. 

Modesty and her husband, also her two sons, were 
received in the other church; time drifted slowly to 
Modesty, as she wished to work in the field. 

She was elected to preside over the Aid Society, 
also to assist over the Young Folks’ meeting. How 
delighted Modesty was! She was ready to fill any 
place, for she liked to work for her Saviour. 

Quite often she was asked to lead prayer meeting 
in absence of the leader. Modesty liked to do the 
work and it seemed easy for her. She took charge 
of the Sunday school. 

It was not long, however, until Modesty discov- 
ered there were selfish and envious moths in this 
church also. 

One day she received callers, and before they left 
she learned they were of the Envious, Jealous and 
Hindering Moth family; they said: 

“You had better give up your offices in the church. 
You see there are those who have led for a long time 
and they think, as you have not been a member long, 
you had better just come and listen and not lead.” 

This was a terrible blow to receive. Modesty did 


28 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


not know just how to respond to the request. 

Modesty asked, ‘^Do you remember the story of 
the tree and its branches? ^If a limb is dead, hew it 
off.’ If I cannot work I would be a dead limb or 
branch. I do not like to be idle, for should I work 
day and night I could not repay my dear Saviour for 
what he did for me. I will go on with the work and 
want each of you to help me. There is work for us 
all.” 

At the next meeting of the society it was voted 
they have an Easter Fair to raise money on a debt ; 
everything was planned and each one assigned to her 
station of duty. 

The evening arrived for the fair and supper at the 
church. Modesty had been kept very busy looking 
after all the divisions to see that everything was all 
right. She was called from the kitchen, much to 
her surprise, to settle a dispute over a sale ; two had 
claimed the article. She soon had the difficulty settled 
and returned to the kitchen. In a short time she 
was called to settle -another dispute over the fish 
pond. This time Modesty was greatly surprised to 
find a moth and the preacher’s wife in a dispute ; try 
as hard as she might she could not patch the punc- 
ture; the wife took her things and went home. 

Modesty said, “I’m so sorry this happened ; 
couldn’t you have got along? This looks bad for you 
to disagree.” In spite of her efforts. Modesty could 
not get them to kiss and make up, and felt greatly re- 
lieved when the time arrived to go home. 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


29 


She had each booth check their sales and the 
amount taken in, and the table do the same; then 
she handed the money to the Treasurer. 

When Modesty reached home she was so tired and 
grieved to think so much strife came up, she could not 
see why any one would envy her the work. She 
asked God to forgive them and laid her aching head 
on her pillow and tried to sleep. 

Next morning she was at her place in Sunday 
school. The teacher of the Bible class said, ^^Mod- 
esty, I want you to help me with the lesson to-day ; 
mark these Scripture readings and as I call for them 
I want you to read them for me.” 

Modesty did as he wished her to do, as she was 
always glad to help. 

There were some Envious and Jealous moths in 
the class, and they said : 

«Why do you always call on Modesty for every- 
thing? Do you think the rest of us can’t read?” 

‘‘Well, first, she always has her Bible and we study 
our lessons together, and then I want the rest of you 
to tell me what you think about the readings.” 

One moth said, “Why, you are the teacher; why 
have one do all the reading?” 

Modesty was hurt at this speech, and the teacher 
much hurt ; he did not come back to teach any more. 
Next Sunday Modesty was asked to teach the class ; 
at first she felt she could not, then she said, “If the 
class does not object, I will, although I’m sure there 
are those in the class that could do better than I.” 


30 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


No one volunteered or objected, and Modesty be- 
gan the lesson by asking those that found fault with 
the teacher to read for her. 

One had forgotten to bring her glasses, another did 
not have time to study the lesson; still another, 
would rather have someone else read, as the words 
are hard to pronounce.” 

It was quite difficult to handle the lesson, as the 
class was mostly of the Faultfinding moth, but she 
got along quite well. 

Modesty felt too ill to think ; she was glad to hear 
the sound of the bell to close the class; she liked to 
do the work, but it was hard to teach to please these 
moths. 

As Modesty walked slowly on her way home she 
wished there could be harmony in the house of God, 
and all work together. She was so deep in thinking, 
trying to plan a way, she did not hear her name 
mentioned, and was startled when a hand was placed 
on her arm. 

It was the minister. ^‘He said, ‘‘A penny for your 
thoughts !” 

Modesty looked up and said, ‘^They are worth 
much more, but I doubt if I could get even as much 
if they were spoken.” 

^‘May I walk with you?” he asked. ‘T have a 
question to ask and a request to make.” 

Modesty wondered what was coming now, but 
granted permission. 

‘Tirst, what was the trouble at the fair the other 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


31 


evening? My wife tells me you would not let her 
help with the work that evening.” 

Modesty looked up amazed, wondering if she had 
heard aright. She could not be mistaken, as he 
uttered the question again. Poor Modesty felt she 
would sink to the walk to learn such false things 
could be spoken by a minister’s wife. 

She said, ‘T did not refuse her aid ; now listen, she 
wanted to work on the fish pond and the one who had 
it in charge had her help and it seemed your wife 
and she could not agree; I tried to settle it, but 
failed; your wife took her things and left us. Now 
you have the answer to your question.” 

^‘Very well, we will let that stand as it is; now I 
want you to advance me a month’s salary out of the 
fund you took in the night of the fair.” 

^‘Oh,” cried Modesty, ^‘1 couldn’t do that without 
the consent of the society.” 

‘‘Well, are you not the President?” he asked. 

“Yes, sir, but you see Congress rules the Presi- 
dent, and they are the Congress in this. I’ll take 
it up with them Wednesday and let you know 
then.” 

“But I must have the money before that time.” 

“I’m very sorry, but I could not give what did not 
belong to me.” 

“Have you the money in your possession.?” he 
asked. 

“No, sir, I gave it to the Treasurer before I left 
the church the night of the Fair.” 


32 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


‘‘Then write me an order for the amount, I must 
have the money at once.” 

“I could not do what you ask of me ; it would not 
be right, for the money is not mine.” 

He left Modesty at her gate in a rather hot mood. 

Modesty stood looking after him; her faith was 
terribly shaken in moth members, and she was losing 
faith in preachers also ; she wondered if all churches 
had these horrid moth in them; if so there would 
have to be a destroyer among them before the work 
would be built up. 

The day came for the next meeting of the Society, 
but Modesty was ill and her doctor said she must 
keep quiet and rest her nerves; therefore she could 
not be present at the meeting and sent a statement 
of the proceeds taken in at the Fair, and the 
preacher’s request for money, and regrets to be ab- 
sent. 

In a few days Modesty was able to be out again ; 
a neighbor girl was sick and lived alone with her 
father, so Modesty called to see her and see if she 
could help to care for her. 

The father said: “Will you sit with my girl while 
I go for more medicine for her?” 

“Certainly, I am glad I can help you,” 

Modesty lived alone with her father when a girl ; 
he was kind to her, but she knew how much a girl 
needed a woman to help in sickness; she made the 
girl’s bed and saw that she was comfortable, then 
she tidied up the kitchen; then sat by the bedside 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


83 


to read to the girl, never dreaming the moths would 
condemn her for her act of kindness ; she saw several 
pass while there; when the father came Modesty 
said: 

‘T will have to run home and look after my bread 
baking, and if I can be of help to you do not hesitate 
to call me.” 

The father thanked Modesty and the girl said, 
“Do come again and read to me ; I forget all my pain 
when you are here.” 

“All right I will, and you be a good girl till I 
come again.” 

Modesty knew the church moths shunned this girl, 
but she was sick, and Modesty did what she could 
for her. 

The Society called for a special meeting ; Modesty 
granted it but could not attend as her father was 
sick, and this gave the moths a chance to discuss the 
terrible thing Modesty had done. 

One said : “What do you suppose I saw the other 
day.^” 

Another said: “I know; our President sitting 
reading to that girl that lives with her father on the 
avenue.” 

“And so did I! Yes, sir; with my own eyes. 
Wliy, it is terrible for her to keep such company.” 

A moth said, “The girl is quite sick so I hear. I 
passed there and saw Modesty there; perhaps we 
had better not be too harsh in judging her until 
we hear why she was there.” 


3i 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


“Well, we just won’t have her for our leader ; what 
will folks say about our Society?” 

“We will elect a new leader,” said another. 

So it was agreed upon by the “scandal-seeking 
moths” to elect a new president. 

Modesty had been quite busy all week and did not 
read the city paper, therefore did not know of the 
new election, and at the next meeting took her place 
of duty; the time came to begin, the members were 
grouped in bunches holding whispered conversations ; 
it never occurred to Modesty that it concerned her 
and she said : “I believe, my dear folks, it is time for 
us to begin our meeting ; we have a quilt to finish to- 
day if possible, you know, so let’s all give our atten- 
tion to the reading from the word of God.” 

The response was: “You are not our leader. We 
have elected a new one and she ik not here yet.” 

Modesty held to her chair, for she felt she would 
fall on hearing this. In a moment she was master 
of herself, but her dignity was disturbed, and she 
said : “Very well, I will only preside long enough for 
you to accept my resignation, then nominate your 
president, and elect her.” 

“Well,” said one, “we have already elected her!” 

“Not legally, my dear folk, you must accept my 
resignation first. I do not know why I have so dis- 
pleased you, but it is enough to know you wish a 
new leader and I will resign, but you will first listen 
to the reading of the lesson ; then will some one lead 
in a short prayer?” 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


35 


The reading was heard but no response for prayer. 

Modesty offered up a prayer, although her heart 
ached; she asked God to pour out the spirit of har- 
mony among this band of workers. 

When the election was over. Modesty said: “One 
moment please before I give up my office. I wish 
to ask why I have so displeased you as to come to this 
act?” In a few minutes she learned what it was all 
about. 

“Well,” said the moths, “we saw you sitting in at 
that girl’s place down on the avenue, and if that is 
the company you keep we don’t want you to preside 
over us.” 

Modesty was grieved to learn this, and did not 
speak for a moment, then she said: “I’m glad to 
learn this is the only charge you have against me. 
The girl was sick and I called to see her ; the father 
asked me to sit with her while he went for more 
medicine; I saw a number of you pass but never ex- 
pected this to come of it. Listen, do you remember 
the story: T was sick and ye ministered not unto 
me?’ Also the lame man at the pool, how he was 
passed by, and how the Samaritan cared for him? 
I only tried to act as a Samaritan. I will not keep 
you any longer, may God forgive you for this act, 
I bid you farewell.” 

Modesty went slowly home trying to forget all, but 
when she met her father she told him all and wept, 
then she said: “Oh, father! are all churches like 
these here, full of these terrible moth destroyers? 


36 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


I am so discouraged and my faith nearly shaken in 
the church moths, and preachers.” She wept so 
hard her father wept also. 

He said, “Oh, don’t, don’t grieve so ! Papa loves 
his little girl and God loves Papa’s girl. So let us 
not grieve over this, for it hurts me to see you treated 
so.” 

Modesty loved her father and did not wish to 
grieve him. She dried her eyes and tried to be 
cheerful; then her father read to her the story of 
how Jesus was so persecuted for his work he had 
to go to other places to work. Now they had no 
fault to find in him only they feared the people would 
follow his teachings and they wanted to rule, and 
they thought by finding fault in his work and tear- 
ing it to pieces the people would not praise him or 
believe in his well doing. “So you see these ugly 
Moths tried to work against Jesus but they cannot 
keep God from loving you, or you from doing for 
God, so do not grieve so.” 

Modesty threw her arms around her father say- 
ing, “Oh, father you have comforted me so much! 
I’m glad I’ve ^an earthly father, and a Heavenly 
Father, who love me and and I can love them, in spite 
of these ugly moths.” 

But Modesty had to give up her work in the 
church to be able to go among thejse moths at all. 
But she never gave up helping the poor and needy 
whenever she could; out under God’s blue sky she 
felt she could do these things for Him. 


CHAPTER V 


In the fall these churches had another union 
revival; Modesty hoped to see it bring forth harmony 
among all. 

Modesty attended these meetings, and one evening 
she brought a poor soul, who wanted to dwell in the 
house of God, to church with her, and asked the 
members to greet her and make her feel welcome. 
A few extended a chilly greeting. 

Next evening Modesty brought this weary one 
again to hear the word of God ; few seemed to see her ; 
the third evening no one but Modesty greeted her, the 
fourth evening when Modesty called for her to go 
with her to the church, these are the words Modesty 
listened to with an aching heart : 

do not think I’ll go to-night, as I do not feel 
I am wanted. The world seems warmer to me than 
them church folk. I wanted to live better, I’m tired 
of worldly life, but it will not be long until I’ll leave 
this earthly home for the unknown. But somehow 
I wanted to shake off this mortgage the devil claims 
on my soul, but I could not dwell among those icy 
people.” 

Modesty could not blame her for feeling as she 
37 


38 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


did toward these moths, and did not go to the meet- 
ing, but tried to help this poor one who was hunger- 
ing after righteousness. She said: 

“I am very sorry you have not been made to feel 
welcomed in the house of God, but listen, my dear 
one, you can have God for your God right here in 
your own home.” Modesty put her arm around 
this weary one as if to support her, then said, ‘Tf 
you will believe in Him and trust Him He will help 
you. He saw your act of willingness, and the act 
of them that professed to be His people, and my 
dear God did not reject you; he loves you the more; 
do not give up but let him release your soul from 
this mortgage.” 

This weary soul clung to Modesty and cried: “I 
believe you, and I will try to be a child of His, and 
will you come often I feel stronger when you are 
close, and will you read and tell me more about Him.?” 

^‘Yes, and even more, I will give you this book of 
God’s word, and you can read also; God will give 
you the understanding of it if you ask Him; you 
will be surprised at the many blessings you will re- 
ceive from it; now I must go but will come again 
to-morrow and help you. God bless you is my 
prayer.” 

Next day Modesty went to the afternoon meeting 
at the church; she told what the weary one had said 
to her. ‘‘Now you must be responsible for this soul, 
for she came to dwell among you and you did not 
take her in, yet you read, ‘All ye that hunger and 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


39 


thirst after righteousness come unto me, all ye that 
are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest,’ 
and you did not comfort her.” 

‘‘You should bring ones we could associate with 
and we would take them in ; your going among such 
characters is why the members do not want you to 
work with them.” 

Modesty was speechless for a moment and stood 
holding to the chair; she said, “Jesus said, ‘whoso- 
ever will, let him come.’ ” 

Then she asked, “What kind of religion do you 
follow.?^ Did not Jesus eat with publicans and sin- 
ners that they might see his good work and follow 
him.^ I never expect to be better than my Saviour. 
I have only done the things He would do and that 
He wishes us to do, for He said, ‘Inasmuch as ye 
do unto the least of these my brethren, ye do unto 
me.’ If the religion you follow makes you too proud 
to help the fallen, you may take my name from your 
list; I do not care to follow on with you proud and 
selfish moths.” 

These were a new kind of moth; Modesty won- 
dered how many more kinds there really were in a 
church; she was told if she took her name from the 
list she would go to the depths below. She said, “If 
I should be so unfortunate I would see many familiar 
faces no doubt, but I have no fear.” 

The railroad man had gone back to the old com- 
panion that so many think drowns sorrow — alcohol. 
These moth had weakened his faith. This grieved 


40 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


Modesty a great deal ; she felt she could not work 
longer with these moths and she told them she was 
going out in the world to work for her Saviour, as 
there was so much to do for the poor. 

Because Modesty did this, these moths tried to 
pick holes in her work by accusing her of all manner 
of false deeds; and tried to stamp marks on her 
character, and she had taken money from the church 
fund. When Modesty heard this it was more than 
she could carry; she went to them and soon had it 
corrected. 

She said, ‘T only took myself from your church. 
I tried to give tny time and talent, but you would 
not accept it. Unless you use some method to de- 
stroy the ugly moth, your work will not grow as it 
should. God help to see the need of this, is my plead- 
ing prayer for you. I will tell you of a splendid evil 
moth destroyer. 

‘‘Go into your closet, which is one’s own life, and 
hold council with God; there have a clearing up of 
mind, take from it all evil thoughts ; go through the 
cells of your heart, rid them of all evil that may have 
accumulated there, then lock your closet, with faith 
in your Saviour and God your redeemer. Ypu will 
be surprised to see how quick all classes of evil moths 
leave your church.” 


CHAPTER VI 


A FEW months later the pastor of the little stone 
church was taken very ill ; he lived alone, and it was 
feared he had consumption. 

'When Modesty learned of this, she said to her 
husband, ‘^The pastor of the little stone church is 
quite ill, let’s go and see him this evening, will you? 
Father, you will keep the boys won’t you?” 

‘^Yes! to be sure.” 

Modesty and her husband went to see the sick one. 
They found their way upstairs to the sick room. 
Modesty gave a gentle tap-tap on the door. 

A feeble voice called, ‘^Come, come right in.” 

They entered and Modesty went to the bedside; 
she asked, ‘^How are you?” 

The sick man reached out his hand saying, ‘‘Mod- 
esty, Modesty, is it really you, or am I dream- 
ing?” 

“Yes, it is Modesty; I have come to see what I 
can do for you; I just learned of your illness to-da\ 
and I came to see how you were.” 

“God bless you for it.” He took Modesty’s hand 
in his and said, “I prayed for some one and God sent 
you.” 


41 


42 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


Modesty looked around the room ; it was cold, the 
air in it bad ; he had no fire. 

“Now I’m going to cover you up snug and open 
the windows for a few minutes and we will build a 
fire and when the room is warm, then I shall fix your 
bed, you poor thing! I know you are not comfort- 
able.” She got her husband to empty the slop jar, 
soon had him up in a rocker, then hurried and fixed 
his bed with fresh linen she brought from home ; then 
her husband helped to get him into a night shirt and 
back into bed. He was weak from the overhauling. 
Modesty bathed his face and said, “I’m sure you will 
feel better; be quiet and rest.” 

“But oh! I want to talk to you about so many 
things.” 

“Not to-night, my dear man. When I come in 
the morning to bring your breakfast, then you may 
talk to me.” 

He clung to her hand and asked, “May I call you 
an angel.?” 

“Oh, yes; if you wish, but I’m far from being 
an angel; now my husband will stay with you to- 
night, and I will come in the morning to stay with 
you. Now I will bid you good night.” 

These moneyed moths were afraid to go to see this 
sick man for fear they might take his ailment. Ah ! 
they had a worse ailment than consumption! Evil 
will destroy the soul. 

Modesty was not afraid to care for this sick man, 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


43 


and next morning she fixed a dainty breakfast and 
took it to him and stayed to care for him. 

He greeted her with : ^^God bless you ; good morn- 
ing, my little angel! It is so good of you to come 
and make me so comfortable and care for me.” 

Modesty liked to help folks. She bathed his face 
and then fed him, tidied up the room and sat by his 
bed and read to him. 

The doctor called. He said, “Ah! so you have a 
nurse, I see — ” 

“No, no ; not a nurse, doctor, but an angel. She 
has been very kind to me.” 

After the doctor left. Modesty was called to the 
bedside and the sick man said, “Modesty, I want to 
tell you why I am alone.” 

Modesty learned he had a great family burden to 
bear, and felt very sorry for him. She also learned 
he had means to care for himself and persuaded him 
to get a real nurse to care for him. “I will stay and 
do all I can to cheer you, also to make you comfort- 
able until the nurse can get here.” 

Next day, when the doctor came. Modesty said, 
“Doctor, will you look after getting a nurse for this 
man.^ He wishes you to do so.” 

“Sure, I’ll do that as soon as I get back to the 
office !” 

“I will stay here, doctor, until she can get here.” 

“Now, I think, I will be able to get one here by 
to-morrow night.” 


44i 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


^^Modesty, come here, please,” said the sick man. 
He took her hand, saying, ‘^^Let me plead for your 
pardon before this witness for the way I treated you, 
and for asking you to give up your work in the 
church. I’m so sorry for it and cannot rest until I 
hear you say you forgive me.” 

Modesty took both his poor bony hands in hers 
and said, ‘T hold no malice against you, nor did I, 
for I saw how you were deceived by those moths. 
Words cannot express my gratitude to learn you 
hold nothing against me.” 

The sick man kissed Modesty’s hand and wept. 

Modesty stood silent for a moment, then stroked 
back his hair, saying, ^‘Now we understand each 
other; we are going to forget the past, and I am 
going to read to you.” 

The doctor bade them good-bye and wiped his 
tear-stained eyes as he closed the door behind him. 

Modesty soon read her patient to sleep and she 
kept very quiet. He took a long nap and was 
brighter. 

Next evening the doctor brought the nurse and 
Modesty liked her. She turned her patient over to 
her and went to the bedside to bid the sick man good 
night. 

He held to her hand saying, “Must you go?” 

“For a short time, but I’ll come often to see you, 
and you have some one who will be kind and care for 
you.” Modesty fixed his pillows, brushed back his 


THE CHUECH MOTHS 


45 


hair and said, a good boy now until I come 
again.” 

He smiled and said, “God night, my little angel.” 

Modesty was happy when she felt she had made 
some one happy. 

It was not long until this man was called to leave 
this home below. 

Modesty felt he was to dwell where there were no 
hardships to endure. 

These fault-finding and scandal-seeking moths 
kept busy picking holes in poor Modesty’s work and 
character. 


CHAPTER VII 


A YEAE later Modesty had more and greater bur- 
dens to bear. Her husband drifted farther into 
King Alcohol’s company in spite of her efforts to 
keep him from it. She could not separate them. 
Her father was stricken with a cancer; this grieved 
Modesty very much. She went iiito business that 
she might have means to care for her father. She 
opened up a hotel and did fine ; was liked by all who 
stopped at her place. 

These ugly Moths had accumulated and seemed to 
be starving for scandal, and began to undermine 
Modesty’s place of business; reported many false 
things and watched every move and try as hard as 
she might, she did not make a good move in their 
way of seeing things. 

Modesty was visited by hotel inspectors of all 
classes, but left her with no fault to find in the way 
she conducted her business. One day she was told 
by the Health Officer that there had been a complaint 
and she could not keep her father in the hotel. 

Modesty could hardly reconcile herself to be sepa- 
rated from her father. She called in the doctor to 
see what she could do. He advised her to take her 
father to a hospital. 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


47 


doctor; if they will not let me keep him 
here, will they take him in a hospital?” 

‘‘Yes, and I will recommend you and help you 
place your father in a good hospital.” 

“You are very kind and I thank you; I will do 
this for his sake.” 

Modesty, with an almost broken heart, told her 
father all. “Oh, father now we must be separated. 
Why will these ugly moth continue to rob me of all?” 
This grieved both Modesty and father. She tried 
hard to be cheerful before her father as she made 
preparations to take him to the hospital; she went 
often to see him; she had no one to go to with her 
hurts and troubles, only God (and at times she felt 
He, too, had forgotten her). But He had not; her 
little helpmate who stayed with her was a great 
comfort to her ; she was a dear good girl. 

The people outside of the church were very kind to 
Modesty; often when they were going into Kansas 
City, asked her to go and they let her out at the 
hospital to see her father and came for her on 
their way back. This made it so Modesty could 
see her father often and not be away from her place 
of business long. 

Because she was seen going to the city often, these 
scandal-seeking moth reaped a great harvest, and 
stacked great stacks of scandal up against poor 
Modesty. 

In about a year after Modesty’s dear father was 
placed in the hospital, he was called from this cold 


48 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


cruel world to dwell among those who are free from 
pain and grief. 

It was hard for Modesty to bear up under this, 
as she felt she had not an earthly friend and wished 
that she, too, might be called ; then she knew how her 
two sons needed her and her husband also needed her 
protection. He was the father of her sons, even 
though his deeds were not the kindest to her. 

The doctor told Modesty she must go some place 
and rest or she would be down in bed. 

Modesty’s sister persuaded her to go with her to 
Colorado, where they had relatives, and rest. 

So Modesty got an elderly lady to look after her 
business and went. The trip did her good, but she 
returned home to receive a terrible blow; she was 
sitting on the porch; the druggist stopped, saying: 
“May I speak to you, please.?^” 

“To be sure,” Modesty said, and went in. 

“Modesty, your man is in serious trouble. I fear 
they are going to take him to the — the — to the pen.” 

Modesty stood like a marble statue ; she could not 
speak. This man left her with no other explana- 
tion. She recalled what he told her and fell to the 
floor. When she came to she heard the doctor say, 
“What happened?” 

No one knew but Modesty. 

“There has been some great shock that has caused 
this,” the doctor said. 

By this time Modesty had gained control of her 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


49 


tongue. ‘Tlease send for the druggist, I must talk 
with him.” 

The druggist told her of the things that happened. 
She turned to the doctor, “Do not try to put me to 
sleep; can’t you see I must do something to save 
him?” 

“I see you must keep quiet,” said the doctor. 

“Ah, and I with two sons who bear his name!” 
exclaimed Modesty. “I tell you I must be up and 
doing.” Poor Modesty had no one to go to for aid ; 
she did not know who to trust. 

The doctor said, “I will help you steady your 
nerves if you will trust me.” 

But she feared him and asked God for strength, 
and the courage to do and send some way to save 
her husband ; she longed to see the banker who stop- 
ped at her place, but he was gone over Sunday; he 
was the only one she felt she could trust in this 
struggle ; she laid her aching head on her pillow and 
tried to sleep, but could not; she tried to plan a 
way out, she had pictured out a way, but the banker 
was gone and she feared he might not get back in 
time to help her; she was up and out in the open 
before the little sparrows had wakened; her son 
joined her, saying, “Mother, do not grieve so; come 
in and drink a cup of coffee.” 

“Oh, son, there is the early train ! If it would only 
bring the banker I believe I have a way planned to 
save your father,” and told her son all, “but I fear 


60 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


he will not get here in time.” Monday morning, 
breakfast had been served when they went in and 
Modesty went on into the office. She felt she could 
not swallow a bite ; as she entered she cried out, “Oh !” 
for there sat the very man she longed to see; she 
could scarcely believe her eyes. 

He asked, “What is the trouble now. Modesty.'^” 

“Did any one send for you.^” she asked. 

“No, I felt there was something wrong down here 
and I came back to-day.” 

“Oh! Then God sent you to me. Listen, will 
the bank take a mortgage on my place of business 
and can I get it fixed in the morning before nine 
o’clock.?” 

“Why, Modesty what are you going to do.?” he 
asked, much surprised. 

“Oh, I have not a minute to spare. My sons’ 
honors depend on me and their father’s safety. He 
has lost his job and there is a shortage of money; 
unless this is raised by nine o’clock in the morning, 
he will be taken — oh! you know where, and I must 
prevent — ” 

The banker caught her as she fell. In a moment 
she was master of herself ; she said, “I must keep 
up.” 

“My ! how you frightened me ! Yes, the bank will 
take your place of business for security.” 

“Very well, but there must be more raised.” 

“Have you asked any one to lend you money.?” 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


61 


‘‘He asked but they refused, as they think I am 
not worthy, and I have been accused of taking the 
money. I have no time to tell you all now, for I 
must be sure of the money before the officials and 
officers get here Monday morning. I have an old 
line policy; will the bank take it?” 

“Let me see it. Yes, the policy is as good as gold.” 
He locked it in the vault. He then had a talk with 
Modesty. She told him all, and said, “How will I 
ever repay you for your kindness?” 

He said, “You owe me nothing. I am pleased to 
serve you; now you must get your rest; I will bid 
you good night.” 

“Thank you again ; good night.” 

Modesty went to her room but could not sleep. 
When she laid her head on the pillow it ached, so she 
had to get up. 

Next morning she went down and tried to eat, but 
her anxiety was too great; the papers were fixed 
out but she did not know whether they would be ac- 
cepted. 

A little later her accusers and officer came and 
said, “You will have to come to the bank and sign 
the papers but you can just come in the back way.” 

At this Modesty grew very hot and said, “I am 
no criminal, neither am I a thief. I will go in the 
front entrance, if you please !” She walked by them 
and in the bank; as she went up to the window, an- 
other accuser put out a hand saying, “We are glad 


52 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


you have considered and decided to sign these papers 
for the safety of your husband.” 

Modesty looked at him with scorn : ‘‘What right 
have you to address me in this manner when you 
refused to support my husband ; said I was unworthy 
and a thief.? I never refused to sign the papers; 
you tried to secure the papers after they were placed 
in the bank to make your ugly accusing seem true; 
I would not touch your hand. 

“I am ready to sign them or even give my life to 
save my boys.” There was not a sound as she fixed 
her name to the papers, then she asked, “Is this all 
you wish of me? And is my husband free?” She 
heard the word, “yes,” and turned to go and once 
more was kept from striking the fioor. 

When she saw what had happened, she pulled her- 
self from them, saying, “I am quite strong and I will 
return alone.” 

Later, her husband joined her; he said, “And it 
is you who set me free?” 

Modesty collapsed and had quite a sick spell. 
When she gained her strength she took up the work ; 
her husband helped her ; when Modesty went out on 
the street few spoke to her. Modesty felt hurt, but 
of course every one heard and knew of the great 
wrong that Modesty never did. She spoke to all she 
met. 

Now Modesty did not do the thing they expected 
her to do. 

These ugly moths looked for her to leave her hus- 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


53 


band and go from bad to worse, as they had pictured 
for her. 

No one knew better than poor Modesty what a 
friend meant in the darkest moments; she took him 
in and cared for him; though he had wronged her, 
she could not see him out in the world alone. 

Modesty went to the Superintendent of the road, 
who had eaten at her table many times, and asked, 
‘^Will you not give my husband another trial Pm 
sure he will do what is right; he will shun alcohol, 
for he has seen it is not the company for him. I am 
not guilty of the crimes laid at my feet. 

“Will you place my husband some place where he 
can care for his family.^” 

“You mean by this you go where he goes.'^” she was 
asked. 

“And why shouldn’t He needs me more now 
than before.” 

Modesty told him how she would soon have to give 
up her place of business, as she had sacrificed it to 
save her husband. 

“And if you could place him somewhere he could 
begin anew and I am sure all would be well.” 

The Superintendent told Modesty he would see 
what could be done. 

In a short time her husband was sent to a city on 
the bank of the Missouri River. 

Modesty remained where they were and sold her 
place of business and had a small amount to go on. 
In the spring she joined her husband; soon the 


64 


THE CHURCH MOTHS 


railroad family were united in their new home and 
made many friends; they have not found any ugly 
moth to mar their happiness. 

God grant they never may. 





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